Varanasi Ghats

The ghats of Varanasi on the bank of the river Ganges are considered as extremely sacred by the people in India. Pilgrims fro all around the globe come here to take a bath on these holy ghats, in order to freed themselves from all sins. These Ghats make a unique appeal to the tourists. These ghats conjure up the fascinating vision of chilum smoking sadhus, boat riders busy with their routine work, pilgrims crapping aartis, musicians entertaining tourists and small children playing on the ghats.

Varanasi Ghats :

Dasaswamedh Ghat : Dasaswamedh Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi. Dasaswamedh Ghat means the ghat of the ten sacrificed horses. According to the legends the scarifies were made to pave the way for the Lord Shiva after the long period of banishment by the Lord Brahma. It is the most pristine ghat among all the ghats in Varanasi. A large number of Sadus can be seen enchanting the mantras on the ghat.

Man Mandir Ghat :
The magnificent Man Mandir ghat was built in the 18th century by the Mahraja of Jaipur. The most famous attraction of the ghat is the observatory equipped with ornate window casings. On the other hand stone balcony allures the northern part of the ghat. Pilgrims making a visit to the Mam Mandir ghat pay homage to the lingam of Someswar, the Lord of the moon.

Asi Ghat :
Located at the confluence of the Ganga and Asi river, Asi is the another most sacred ghat in Varanasi. It is one of the give ghats situated in the southernmost direction of Varanasi. Devotees take a bath at this ghat before worshiping the huge lingam, under the peepal tree. Tourists can make a visit to the Asisangameshwar, a small temple at the ghat.

Lalitha Ghat :
Lalitha temple lies in the northern part and is quite popular for the Ganga Keshava Temple. It lies next to the Manikarnika ghta. The temple here is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. Another famous temple at the ghat is the wooden temple built in the typically Nepalese style.

Manikarnika Ghat :
Situated at the center of the five thirthas, Manikarnika Ghat is the main burning ghat in Varanasi. It is said that people who are cremated here after the death, straigh away go to the haven.

Tourists Activities :

Boat Cruise along the Ghats :
Tourists can take a boat ride across the river Ganga early in the morning. It is something which should not be missed on the tour to Varanasi. It gives you the opportunity to see how life at these ghats starts at 3 pm with the morning aarti. Sailing across the ghats give you quick view about the cultural life of the place. It provides you the glimpse of the religious practices esp. the view of the Hindu devotees taking a bath in the river and offering water to the Lord Surya.

Temple Visit :
Than the tourists can make a visit to the temple popular in this area. The most important among them are the Durga temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple and many more. Apart from the temples you can make a visit to the Banaras Hindu University, which is considered as the largest residential University in Asia. Than you can make a visit to the Ramnagar Fort and Museum.